Tardigrades’ genes help them survive extreme conditions Tardigrades are microscopic animals that can withstand complete dehydration, resurrecting years later when water is again available. To investigate the genes underlying their extraordinary ability to survive in extreme conditions, researchers analyzed the…

When it comes to how susceptible a mosquito is to becoming infected with, and transmitting, chikungunya virus, not all mosquitos are the same. The interactions between mosquitos and the virus vary not only based on species and strain, but where…

To get someone’s attention, is it quicker to use biological actions, such as gestures or eye movements, or non-biological objects, such as arrows and moving dots? In a new PLOS ONE study, researchers attempted not only to answer this question,…

People’s Google search histories can reflect much about their lives. For example, a parent whose child has come down with the flu may turn to Google to seek information on pediatric flu treatment. In the past decade, researchers have tried…

Fruit flies demonstrate increasing resistance to CRISPR gene drives Gene drives using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology aim to spread new genes within a natural population in efforts to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and control invasive species. However, this…

While rainbow trout are carnivorous, a selected strain performs well on a soy-based feed ― and tolerance of this vegetarian diet is linked to 63 genes, according to a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Jason Abernathy…

Dogs, wild animals and sand flies in protected area in Brazil carry Leishmania parasite Infected sand flies can transmit the Leishmania parasite through their bites, potentially leading to leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection that can be fatal to humans. This infection…

Snakebites cost Sri Lanka more than $10 million per year Snakebites are a major public health concern in many rural communities and can have a significant financial impact on both the victim and the country as a whole. A new…

Application of artemisinin-combination therapy (ACT) for malaria cases supplemented by long-lasting insecticide-treated bednets (LLINs) has significantly reduced malaria in Dielmo and helped the Senegalese village reach pre-elimination levels of malaria incidence, according to a study published in the open access journal PLOS ONE.…